Photo credit: www.theverge.com
Google has recently revealed plans to hold a dedicated event ahead of its I/O conference to share updates about Android. Titled The Android Show: I/O Edition, this event will be broadcast on YouTube and on the official Android website on May 13th at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. The presentation will be led by Sameer Samat, the president of the Android ecosystem. This event is set to take place a week prior to the main Google I/O 2024, which begins on May 20th.
This decision is not entirely unexpected, as Google has shifted its focus away from Android during recent I/O events. This could indicate that the upcoming conference will showcase significant developments in AI, particularly regarding the Gemini initiative and other artificial intelligence projects. There may also be updates pertaining to Project Astra.
“We’ll be sharing news now to get you ready for I/O, where we’ll have even more special announcements and surprises in store,” Samat stated. The company emphasized that Android will still play a role at the I/O conference, featuring in keynotes and technical sessions for developers.
Historically, Android used to be the centerpiece of Google I/O, particularly during the reveal of new dessert-themed statues for each Android iteration. However, this focus has diminished in recent years. In the last conference, Google highlighted its commitment to redesigning Search with an AI-driven approach, demonstrating how Gemini could be integrated seamlessly into various Android devices and applications such as Docs, Gmail, and Calendar.
Source
www.theverge.com